Conditions for calculating field visit points for teachers in Saudi Arabia

The National Institute for Professional Development in Education in Saudi Arabia has announced important updates regarding the calculation of professional development points for teachers, emphasizing the need to adhere to precise standards when conducting field visits. The Institute confirmed that preparing a detailed and approved report after each visit is a fundamental requirement for including this activity in the teacher's professional record, based on the organizational guide for professional development activities.

General context: Enhancing teacher efficiency in light of Vision 2030

These new requirements come within the framework of the comprehensive development movement witnessed by the education sector in the Kingdom, which aims to raise the quality of educational practices in line with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Through these regulations, the National Institute seeks to transform extracurricular activities and field visits from mere routine procedures into real opportunities for exchanging experiences and transferring knowledge, thus ensuring that their positive impact is reflected in the learning outcomes within the classroom.

The three conditions for approving field visits

The approved guide clarified that accepting a field visit as a professional development activity requires fulfilling three main conditions to ensure seriousness and achieve the desired benefit:

• First: Obtain the approval of the teacher's direct supervisor before implementation, in order to ensure that the visit does not conflict with the school schedule and the progress of the educational process in the school.
• Second: Prior coordination and obtaining approval from the host entity, to ensure its readiness to provide high-quality professional content that adds to the visiting teacher’s experience.
• Third: This is the most recent and important condition, the teacher’s commitment to preparing a comprehensive and detailed report after the visit, which is approved by the direct supervisor to document the cognitive and skill-based gains.

Implementation mechanism and points calculation

The institute has outlined the operational procedures to ensure a smooth workflow. The process begins with submitting a formal application through the school's approved channels. This is followed by a review of the application by specialized committees within the education department to ensure its alignment with the teacher's specialization and job level. After the visit, the teacher enters the "post-implementation" phase, which requires the submission of a final report. Upon approval of this report, professional development points are recorded, calculated, and added to the teacher's balance in the designated electronic system.

Educational importance and impact of exchanging experiences

Field visits are important because they serve as a bridge between educational theories and practical applications in diverse settings. They offer teachers the opportunity to directly observe successful experiences and innovative practices that may not be available in their current school environments. This meticulous organization is expected to contribute to raising the level of professionalism among teachers and fostering a culture of professional documentation, thus creating a collaborative learning environment characterized by continuous development and high quality. Ultimately, this will be reflected in improved student performance and the overall advancement of the education system.